DeLonghi DBM450 Bread Maker

The DeLonghi Bread Maker offers a robust set of features including a convection option that circulates the air to create a crispy crust and reduces the moisture that sometimes weighs-down a loaf. DeLonghi calls it “fan-assisted” which is essentially what a convection oven does to circulate air.

It also has a hopper that allows you to add fruit or nuts at the appropriate time and 15 custom settings.It also has a very large viewing window in the top and an internal light to allow you to check progress during the baking process. Many owners like these features but just as many feel the machine is complex to use.Most of these comments are related to a recipe book measured in weights as opposed to ounces and cups, and unclear directions about how to program the 15 settings.

As in the past, the machine is very good but the instruction book was not well received by many owners.Once again, I’m a bit surprised that a very well engineered product seems problematic because of the instruction book.Maybe bread-machine manufacturers need to spend a bit more time getting the book right so people have better success with the machine.

“It’s made perfect bread every time I’ve used it. The recipes accompanying the machine were confusing but once I used my familiar bread machine recipes the results were great.”

The Convection Feature

A unique feature on the DeLonghi bread machine is an internal fan that works on the principle or a convection oven.Many people like this feature and have reported good results.

The Automatic Fruit and Nut Hopper

The DeLonghi Bread-Maker has a fruit and nut hopper that works very effectively.Like most fruit and nut hoppers, adding a bit of flour to the raisins or dried fruit helps to release the fruit at the right time.There were no customer complaints about this feature which was a bit surprising given the fact that many bread-machines with this feature seem to have a problem with the fruit sticking in the hopper and never making it into the mix.According to one owner:

“The fruit and nut dispenser is great too, things are very easy to clean and there aren’t any dry corners like other machines. This machine is a little bigger than I expected it to be, so take that into consideration if you won’t have a large spot to store it.”

An Interior Light

This is another unique feature of the DeLonghi Bread Maker.Many bread machines have a viewing window but many of us know that we need either a direct overhead light or a small flashlight to actually see inside.The DeLonghi Bread Maker has a built-in light that allows you to see the kneading, rising and baking process.It’s actually one of my favorite features given that most bread machines do a fairly good job across all features, and the built-in light is a genuinely unique feature.

15 Settings

Like many other bread-machines, the DeLonghi has numerous settings across a range of breads and other features from jams to jellies.A curious comment from owners is related to the poor communication related to the 15 settings.This points again to a poorly written instruction book and a machine interface that seems to lack the fundamental communication for each setting.Many owners were very clear about this issue.

“It has 15 programs and they aren’t listed on the machine. There is an awkward little book thing that’s attached to the handle by a chain, NOT very functional. It would make much more sense to have the program settings listed on the front of the machine.”

1 to 3 Pound Loaf?

According the specifications on amazon.com the DeLonghi bread machine makes either a 1, 1.5 or 3 pound loaf.I found those specs indicating a 3 pound loaf a bit strange given that most bread machines and recipes are designed for loaves in the 1, 1.5 and 2 pound size.After a bit of investigation it appears that it is in fact a 2 pound loaf maximum.It makes a “tall” or vertical loaf size as opposed to the horizontal loaf found in some bread machines.The pan is identified as non-stick but there is no indication in evidence as to whether or not it is a Teflon coating.Typically the coatings are Teflon and if a manufacturer offers a different kind of non-stick coating they usually do a better job of touting that feature.

The Instruction Book Problem

Complaints about the instruction book range from “little information” to “it’s more of a booklet than a book.”There are also concerns about some lack of information and the fact that all ingredients are measured by weight rather than fractions of a spoon or cup.A baker’s scale is not terribly expensive but it’s one more thing to clean and store.It’s also somewhat tedious when you’re measuring very small amounts such as salt, yeast or sugar.

“The recipe book that comes with it gives the measurements for the flour in weight. Not everyone has a kitchen scale so it would be nice if it had both weight and cup measurement.”

Another Kneading-Paddle Over-Promise?

The DeLonghi bread machine has a very thin, collapsible paddle.This is supposed to reduce the size of the hole left in the bottom of a loaf after baking.According to some owners, “It left a nice, thin hole.”But others have had some problems with the paddle not unfolding properly or leaving a larger hole in the bread.Generally, the paddle seems to do an excellent job of kneading the dough and capturing all of the flour in the pan, even in the corners.

“This machine really does get the corners. I was pleasantly surprised to go check on it and there wasn’t a speck of flour in the corners of the pan”

Overall, the DeLonghi DBM450 Bread Maker appears to be a reliably built, fully-featured bread machine with many of the more complex features typically found in some of the more expensive, higher-end machines.It appears that it requires some homework on the part of the owners to get familiar with the recipes, weights and measures, and the cycles.

Steve Nubie has been writing professionally for 38 years. He is a Chef and has traveled across Asia and Europe studying language, culture and cuisine. He instructs culinary classes in the Culinary School at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and has written extensively on cuisine, cooking, diet and nutrition. He is a published author of 10 books including a cookbook and continues to write on subjects related to culinary trends.

I have been using my bread machine since Christmas last year. Love it, once I got used to it. The recipe book that came with it have the water to flour racing all wrong. Now in saying that, I live in Nova Scotia and it could have more to do with the humidity, just a thought. I have to add less water to every recipe and more flour (and l mean 5 to 10 oz more) so, what I do is add the ingredients and let it start to mix and I watch for the consistancy that I want, then put the lid down. I usually keep a record of this, so now I’m pretty spot on with my loafs now, it still varies every once in a while though. All in all this machine makes awesome bread. Now here is recipe #1 Basic Bread ratio of water to flour. I threw away 5 loafs before I got it the ratio right. For a two lb loaf Water 13 fl oz (I use 350ml) Flour 21oz (I use 21 oz + 8 oz and sometimes I still have to add more (upto 3/4 cup) the rest of the recipe the measurements work fine. All my recipesare like this. I start with their version and then have to adjust it. Never do I used their measurements again after the first try. I do give it a thumbs up though. I use it every Sunday. Nova Scotia can have a variety of weather, so I assume this is the reason for the adjustments in the recipes.

I have owned this bread maker for several months and haven’t used it much because it’s so confusing. The display window is a touch screen with “icons” that are pictures only or icons. I don’t get what those pictures mean. Today, I went to the DeLonghi website and found a very useful manual. I printed off the illustration and labeled the parts and now I totally understand how to make a loaf of bread. But what a pain.